| Recorded
on July 7, 2003, this live CD from Spacestation Integration,
proves once again, that the banjo, if played right, can transcend its
traditional roots and reach a broad and modern audience. Ryan
Cavanaugh plays the banjo right. With speed and precision he
blends the twangs of the banjo in and out of the funk bass lines produced
by Rob Nye. On “McGee’s Crossroads”,
Cavanaugh skillfully introduces us to the traditional and beautiful sounds
of the banjo while slowly melding his sound with that of the other band
members. This ten-minute long opening track showcases the diverse sounds
and styles of Spacestation Integration. “Highland Drive” and
“Minding the Little Things” let Nye, instead of Cavanaugh,
lead. With his strong yet swift bass lines, Nye successfully brings a
little funk to the banjo driven sound, creating a unique and shocking
groove for listeners. To show that they are indeed a band and not a talent
show “Electric Sandwich” and “Khazana” highlight
the skills of all members. The succinct and precise changes necessary
to successfully complete the complicated “Market Place”, allow
drummer Matt Deibert and percussionist Chris
Dougherty to show their talent. This amazing closer, written
by Deibert and Cavanaugh, is a tribute to the skill of all band members.
Since the release of Live From Nowhere, Dougherty has moved on
to pursue other musical adventures. Consequently, SSI is no more. Three
of the four SSI members are still kicking it strong. You can check them
out as the Ryan Cavanaugh Trio at http://ryancavanaughtrio.com
CD Review:
The Recipe, All You Can Eat
Published 2/14/04 |
|
The nine tracks on All You Can Eat, provide “tap
your toe” songs that bring immediate smiles to hippies from coast
to coast. The soulful and resonant vocals of Julie Edlow
provide a unique and fresh sound currently lacking in the Jambands scene.
Recorded live, all of the energy and improvisation between Joe
Prichard (acoustic and electric guitar, banjo), Gregg
Lowley (drums), Tom Whelan (percussion, Q-bass),
and Kris Kehr (mandolin, banjolin, 12-string Bellzouki,
harmonica) comes through loud and clear.
The Recipe create poly-stylistic grooves that are digestible, and fun.
Although there are no exotic dishes on All You Can Eat, The Recipe
serves it up as good as your mamma-could good.
For an additional helping of The Recipe check out their three studio albums,
Love Marble Hoe Down (1995), Night of the Porch People
(1998), and Geode (2000).
Visit www.therecipe.com
for tour dates, because while a live recording is great, the real thing
is better.
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